Archive for March, 2018

President Duterte said, “I thank Go Negosyo for its effort in providing opportunities for the country’s MSMEs, particularly for women entrepreneurship to expand and improve their business.”

President Rodrigo Duterte led the recognition of the latest batch of our Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs in our 10 th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit last March 6, 2018. Together with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, we awarded 20 Filipina entrepreneurs who have greatly contributed and excelled in their respective fields. The awarding ceremony was the last part of the summit which is the biggest women negosyo summit of the year and was attended by more than 15,000 participants composed of entrepreneurs, advocates, and students.

Chal Lontoc and Mike Lobrin were the overall hosts of the summit and interviewed some guests from the red carpet entrance.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion in his speech said, “Don’t stop dreaming, all you have to do is work hard and continue to be passionate in what you do, and you will succeed. Filipinos were never destined for poverty.”

Tessie Sy-Coson, Vice Chair of SM Investments, shared how she is mentored by her father, Mr. Henry Sy. She shared, “The best mentor is pressure. Of course, we learn from everyone in the organization. It’s true you can learn from everyone but the mentor I really look up to is my father.”

Dr. Vicki Belo, CEO of Belo Medical Group, related her experience in her younger years when she was bullied for her looks which pushed her to pursue her dream in dermatology.

“I think when we talk about scaling up, we need government support and networking. It delivering you product and supporting your product, and allowing the word spread by itself,” Lizzie Eder Zobel, Chairman of Teach for the Philippines.

Natividad Cheng, CEO of Uratex, shared that they started their business with a capital of only 4000.

Celebrity-entrepreneur Anne Curtis appreciated the value of mentorship as she too is being mentored by her business partner. “It’s very important that you find someone who will discipline you, kailangan merong nagguide sayo, it’s very important you find someone in your company that knows what their doing.” She is the co-founder and creative director of the 5-month old start-up enterprise, BLK Cosmetics.

“Mentorship makes a big part of the program. I learned that you didn’t need to wait for the end of your career to help the country. We can matter now upfront,” Clarissa Delgado, co-founder and CEO of Teach for the Philippines.

Merle Paete of Merle’s Pili and Native Products started her business with only P2,000 capital. Now, her product is slowly gaining attraction in the country.

Georgina Wilson was also an awardee of Go Negosyo back in 2016 for their Sunnies Studios. “The fact that we value that open line of communication is what I feel is what keep people connected to the brand.”

Kathleen Yu, Rumarocket – For pioneering an innovative way of people management by combining human wisdom with the accuracy of artificial intelligence through the technology of Rumarocket.

Jeannie Javelosa, Great Women Global Platform – For her firm advocacy for culture and women empowerment, she co-founded GREAT Women and ECHOStore which supported market access for micro and small entrepreneurs and their artisan products.

Maria Francesca Tan, MFT Group of Companies was recognized for her high-spirited drive which led to the development of MFT Group of Companies, a pioneer in providing capital funds to start-ups and helped expand more than 100 business from a range of industries across the globe.

Abdulia Austria, Kadz General Merchandise, UNODUS Tourist Inn was recognized for her admirable community leadership and innovative ideas through her various business ventures such as Kadz General Merchandise and UNODUS Tourist Inn while promoting the tourism of Palawan.

Calungcaguin, Make Peace Bakery, Bakers of Change was recognized for rising to the challenge and becoming the Founder and CEO of the Make Peace Bakery, Bakers of Change, which empowers the Filipino out-of-school youth from depressed communities through the art of baking.

Lydia Codiñera, Samahang Tubig Maynilad Inc. was awarded for answering the calls of service and founded The Samahang Tubig Maynilad Inc., which now serves the entire community with clean and potable water.

Merle Paete, Merle’s Pili and Native Products was recognized for her optimism and perseverance to transform local agricultural material into world class products through Merle’s Pili and Native Products.

Mary Grace Arboleda-Young, Cordillera Coffee was honored for her genuine compassion for the farmer communities brought about their own appreciation for their own crops which led to the flourishing of the Cordillera Coffee.

Amanda Battad, Amanda’s Marine Products was honored for her unrelenting perseverance and admirable efforts in founding Amanda’s Marine Products with the help of the government which has led it to become an established brand and supplier to well-known restaurants.

Zarah Juan, Green Life Eco Bags Inc. was awarded for endeavoring environmental conservation and protection through her fashionable eco-friendly bags and creating an avenue to help the Marikina shoemakers and preserve the dying culture of the T’bolis through Green Life Eco Bags.

Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Happy Skin was recognized for pioneering a homegrown brand of makeup that caters and cares for the Filipina through Happy Skin which has helped enhanced the beauty and allure of many Filipinas.

Bettina Quimson led the discussion on market access and digital platforms.

Warblitz Martinez, Aqua Peace Farm was recognized for showing her passion with her Aqua Peace farm, she has fulfilled the requirement of their local market with various sea foods such as milkfish and shrimps.

Olivia Puentespina, Malagos Farmhouse was honored for being a conscientious foodie and entrepreneur, she has founded the Malagos Food Inc., the pioneer in the dairy industry in the country.

Felicia Atienza, Alice Eduardo and Karen Davila.

Edelyn Canero, Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts was honored for her tenacity to complete the transition from being a retailer of peanut to manufacturer through the establishment of Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts.

One of the intrapreneur awardees is Marcelina Ace T. Itchon, Aspen Philippines Inc. who is recognized for her keen determination and single-minded focus which led her to rise through the ranks in the pharmaceutical industry. Through her, Aspen Philippines has become a stalwart in the pharmaceutical industry today.

Another intrapreneur awardee is Florencia G. Tarriela, Philippine National Bank who is honored for her tireless dedication and service to the banking and finance industry for more than 40 years, whilst actively advocating environmental protection. She is the devoted chairperson of the Philippine National Bank, and an active mentor promoting sustainable agriculture.

One of the legacy winners is Helen Yuchengco Dee who is the chair of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. She is honored for her strong sense of leadership; she has steered the success of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp for more than a decade. Bent on enhancing her father’s legacy, she is known for her unmatched expertise in banking, finance, and management.

To complete the list of awardees, Lourdes Montinola, the chairman emeritus of Far Eastern University is recognized for being a well-published and multi-awarded author and educator of generations. At 90, the current Chair Emeritus of Far Eastern University, she, has remained an inspiring accomplished woman worthy of emulation.

More than 15,000 participants attended the 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit held at the World Trade Center, Pasay City.

From one mentors’ conference to the biggest mentoring session, we are proud to share the success of the 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit. A record-breaking 15,000 participants attended the summit which aims to empower our Filipino women and the youth to venture into entrepreneurship. This is the biggest crowd we have had over the past 10 years of holding this special summit for Filipino women.

As early as 5:30 in the morning, we saw buses of students arriving, and soon the lines to the entrance were crazy. We saw eager participants hungry to learn from our speakers.

US Ambassador Sung Kim was among the first to arrive. He was stunned to see the large crowd inside the World Trade Center. Other ambassadors who attended include Amanda Gorely (Australia), Raszlan Bin Abdul Rashid (Malaysia), Win Naing (Myanmar), Kok Li Peng (Australia), Ly Quoc Tuan (Vietnam), John Holmes (Canada), Harald Fries (Sweden) and Igor Khovaev (Russia). All of them were amazed on what we do to empower women and the youth.

The keynote forum was star-studded with women entrepreneurs such as Tessie Sy-Coson, Vicki Belo and Natividad Cheng who all shared their stories of growth and success over the years. Lizzie Eder Zobel and Clarisse Delgado also shared their experience and how their social enterprise Teach for the Philippines aims to provide relevant and excellent education.

When our hosts Chal and Mike announced the name of Georgina Wilson and Anne Curtis, the students all shouted and cheered for the celebrity entrepreneurs. They shared how they started their own businesses out of their passion. Georgina related that for their first branch in SM Mall of Asia, she personally arranged their stocks on the shelves.

As for Anne, she appreciates her business partner and mentor Jacqe Gutierrez who has guided her through the whole process of setting up her own business, BLK Cosmetics. Micro entrepreneur Merle Paete also inspired many as she shared how she started her business with just P2,000 as capital. Now, her pili pulp oil is slowly gaining traction in the market. Even Vicki Belo revealed that she was once bullied in her younger years for her looks, that is why she made it a mission to make Filipinos beautiful.

But more than being the biggest women negosyo summit, we also had the biggest mentoring session through our first mentoring café, which had around 200 mentors who volunteered and tirelessly gave advice and business tips to the attendees in the audience. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., people lined up to get their chance to be advised by our mentors in different areas of entrepreneurship. In fact, some of the participants even brought their own products during the mentoring.

One of our mentors, Thelma Dumpit shared, “I mentored four from varied backgrounds. The first was a nurse who had inherited a lot from her father. The second was a manufacturer who wanted to expand her product lines. The third was a writer who needed help in getting published. And the fourth was from the academe, but has an existing farm she does not know how to run as a business. Quite an interesting lot! More importantly, I realized I had a lot to share and they were all so grateful.”

Max Yap, another mentor shared, “A lot of people still wanted to come. Also some came from Bulacan and even the Visayas! They wanted more, they queued and wanted a one-on-one.”

One of the highlights of the summit was the awarding ceremony for this year’s Inspiring Filipina Awards, which was graced by no less than President Duterte himself. We awarded 20 Filipina awardees, including legacy awardees Dr. Lourdes Montinola and Helen Yuchengco-Dee, for their leadership in Far Eastern University and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., respectively.

When President Duterte saw the attendees, he was glad to see the number of people who attended. In his speech he said, “I thank Go Negosyo for its effort in providing opportunities for the country’s MSMEs, particularly for women entrepreneurship to expand and improve their business.” He added, “I assure everyone that in line with the theme of this year’s National Women’s Month celebration, government is supportive of the initiatives to make change work for women.”

In my speech, I said, “This administration is pushing for inclusive growth. We want everybody to have better lives. We want the rich to share their wealth to enable many micro and small entrepreneurs, and for them to become one of the next awardees someday. Us, the men in the government, with our President leading the way, will provide the right environment to make this economy robust, as a favorite destination for tourist to come, and as a favorite place for businessmen to invest.”

It was a successful 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit! I was amazed to see that we filled the three halls of World Trade Center. We thought the two halls would be enough for this year, but because of the interest of the people, we had to get all three the halls to accommodate everyone.

With this turnout, I look forward to more businesses managed and led by women who are passionate in what they do, persevering in achieving their goals, and fearless in facing challenges.

We are a day away from the anticipated and biggest women negosyo summit in the Philippines, the Go Negosyo’s 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit. For the past 10 years, it has continuously empowered and inspired many Filipino women to venture into entrepreneurship and pursue their passion and goals. This year’s summit features many business models and inspiring entrepreneurial stories of Filipina entrepreneurs and women advocates. We will also have the largest one-on- one mentoring session with more than 150 mentors.

We have prepared an insightful program for all attendees featuring successful women entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and women advocates.

We hope that you are all registered to attend the 10 th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit on March 6, 2018!

More than just a series of talks, this year’s Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit takes on bolder steps in resonating the importance of mentorship to women entrepreneurs. We believe that women participation in the local and international economy is fundamental to sustain economic growth. Our keynote forum will discuss WOMENtorship: Sharing of insights and advices from champion women entrepreneurs. We will have Tessie Sy-Coson, Vice Chair of SM Investments Corporation, Dr. Vicki Belo, Dermatologist and CEO of Belo Medical Group, Lizzie Eder Zobel, Chairman and Co-Founder of Teach for the Philippines, Natividad Cheng, CEO of Uratex, Anne Curtis Smith-Heussaff, Co-founder and Creative Director of BLK Cosmetics, Clarissa Delgado, Co-founder and CEO of Teach for the Philippines, Merle Arnaldo-Paete, 15th Citi Microentrepreneur of the Year, Owner of Pili nuts and pili oil production and Georgina Wilson-Burnand, Co-founder and Marketing Director of Sunnies Studios.

In addition to this, second forum which will focus on Mainstreaming Market and Expanding Market Reach. The forum will feature panelists that will discuss innovative platforms and opportunities in increasing MSMEs access not only to domestic but global markets. It will also highlight e-commerce as a powerful tool to take advantage of when they want to grow their market faster. Market access will be discussed by Inanc Balci of Lazada Philippines, Agatha Soh of Shopee, Constantin Robertz of Zalora Philippines, Jeannie Javelosa of GREAT Women in ASEAN Initiative, and Atty. Paul Santos of Philippine Retailers Association.

Furthermore, forum three entitled Access to Right and Inclusive Money will include panelists that will discuss how the financial landscape in the country will further enable MSMEs and how integrating financial technology will further promote financial inclusivity in the country helping MSMEs participate in wider economic activities. It will feature Chuchi Fonacier, Deputy Governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Lito Villanueva, Managing Director of FintQ, Maria Ana Pascual, Head of Online Merchant Solutions of Mynt, Gigi Gatti, Regional Director for Philippines of Grameen Foundation, and Nicole Paterno, Founder of 1000 Angels.

To celebrate the women who have introduced innovation and disruption in their businesses and in the Philippine economy, forum four entitled, Changing the Game: Successful Women Innovators and Disruptors will highlight the stories of Norlela Suhailee, Chair of ASEAN Coordinating Committee for MSMES, Mah Khine Zaw, CEO of Earth Group of Companies, Felicia Atienza, President and CEO of Chinese International School Manila, Gaita Fores, President of Cibo, Inc., Josephine Costales, Chairperson for Costales Nature Farms, Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of Happy Skin, Neri Miranda, Celebrity Entrepreneur, Lenora Cabili, Founder and Creative Designer of Filip + Inna and Charisse Tinio, Owner of Nice Print Photography.

Lastly, forum five entitled: Doing Business the Millennial Way will provide insights from young entrepreneurs from different industries who are pushing the boundaries of innovation, disrupting their industries and empowering their respective communities. It features young entrepreneurs like Krie Lopez of Messy Bessy Cleaners, Cherrie Atilano of AGREA, Helen Kaye Layco of Macho Mucho, Maria Francesca Tan of MFT Group of Companies, creative entrepreneur Abbey Sy, Aya Fernandez of Project Lily, Jen Gerodias-Diaz of Snoe Beauty, and Angely Dub of Access Travel.

Wrapping up the month of February, Go Negosyo sa Radyo hosts DJ Cheska San Diego-Bobadilla and Sen. Bam Aquino were joined by previous Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs awardees Delby Bragais, fashion designer and owner of Delby Bragais Bridal, Donna Jiao, President of XC Manufacturing and Trading Enterprise, Yoling Sevilla, President and CEO of The Leather Collection Inc., in an episode featuring exceptional enterprises by empowered women.

Delby Bragais owner of Delby Bragais Bridal, is an award-winning fashion designer, a multi- awarded and internationally certified image consultant, a sought-after speaker, an inspiring workshop leader a published author, and one of Go Negosyo 2016 Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs. From being in a business of ‘changing the looks’ she has expanded to ‘changing the lives’ through the creation of an image training consultancy division, Image Designers
International wherein she leads customized workshops and speaks on image strategy and people branding.

Donna Jiao of XC Manufacturing the leading exporter of jewelry in Bulacan, started as a helper of her mother in their pawnshop at the age of 12. At the early age of sixteen she was married. The need to provide for her family urged her to think of ways to provide for them. Having the experience, skills, and creativity on jewelry design she acquired from her younger days, she decided to start her own jewelry business. Today, her venture has garnered many top socialites and members of the elite both in the Philippines and outside the country. Donna was also one of Go Negosyo’s 2014 Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs.

Yoling Sevilla is the President and CEO of The Leather Collection Inc. a 27-year old company, which successfully found its niche in the corporate gifts market with their genuine leather products. Prior to founding the business, Yoling and her husband ran a printing business which then evolved to a design business. For years, the company has been providing sustainable livelihoods to marginalized women communities. They have also partnered with indigenous women in Sibaltan, North Palawan and Bagobo tribe in Southern Mindanao, who were able to marry their ancient weaving techniques to their leather products.

COPING WITH COPY-CATS
With the fast-paced fashion industry of seemingly similar looking products, Sen. Bam Aquino asked how companies like them are able stand out from competitors and copy-cats in the industry. Delby shared her experience in designing for clients only to have her designs imitated with cheaper service. These imitated designs never look how they should look. She believes what makes her stand out is the value added to her crafts, “It’s extra styling and image consulting, so I’m merging the two – consultancy and fashion,” she said.

For Yoling, it lies in the price quality ratio. “It has to be the right price and the quality must be visibly better than others,” she said. While it is vital to step up your craft’s quality, it is also important to be matched with the right customers and be able to differentiate between serious buyers and those who just wants to imitate designs,” she said.

In the case of Donna, being in the jewelry business makes it harder to imitate her products. She shared that customers are willing to pay. “They don’t mind buying and paying for the right price, because they know the quality,” she said.

IS THERE ENOUGH MARKET FOR HIGH-END PRODUCTS?
Given the rather high-end products they offer, Sen. Bam Aquino asked the guests if there are still enough discerning customers for their products in the country.

“Marami. Kasi we’re Asians we love real things, we want to wear gold and diamonds and other precious stones, they want to wear that,” answered Donna.

Delby agreed emphasizing the importance of knowing your audience “There is a target market
that still want quality and are willing to pay the price.”

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

To wrap up the episode, Sen. Bam asked the guests a question from the studio audience: “Ano ang hubog ng inyong inspiration?”

She further emphasized the importance of shared values ang integral human development, these for her are more important among other things because they should be treated not as mere employees but as partners in life.

In Delby’s case, her inspiration lies in her passion. “Celebrate your individuality, go for your purpose, what drives you, your passion, and that will lead you to prosperity.”

This year’s set of Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs will be awarded on March 6, 2018 at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. For more info., please call (02) 631-5001 or email filipinasummit.gonegosyo@gmail.com.

Today is March 1 and what a great way to celebrate International Women’s Month by recognizing women entrepreneurs who are the epitome of grace and leadership.

Together with our team led by Merly Cruz and Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar and the 2018 Inspiring Filipina Awards judges led by Marife Zamora (Convergys Philippines), Alice Eduardo (Sta. Elena Corp.), Nanette Medved-Po (Friends of Hope), Rosalind Wee (W Group) and deputy director Kristine Balmes (Philippine Commission on Women) they evaluated and reviewed more than 100 applications for the new batch of inspiring Filipina entrepreneurs.

I am proud to share with you this year’s Inspiring Filipina awardees!

Young entrepreneur Aya Fernandez turned her school science project into an eco-friendly social enterprise. Project Lily PH manufactures Eco-Uling which are charcoals made of water hyacinth, agri-forest wastes and coconut husks. Aya leads a manpower composed of disabled people and women in her community.

Women achieve greater things when they help each other. Jeannie Javelosa of Great-Women and ECHOstore is one of our awardees under the enabler category because of her efforts to provide greater market access to micro and small entrepreneurs for their artisan products. Another enabling women entrepreneur is Mica Tan of MFT Group of Companies. At a young age, Mica is considered as one of the pioneers in venture capital investments. Currently, MFT Group has investments in various industries such as pharmaceutical, financing, real estate, lifestyle products, and investments.

Even in the technology industry, women know their game. Kathleen Yu founded Rumarocket which uses machine algorithms to organize and synthesize data for hiring and talent management of many companies.

If you think the corporate world is still led by men, think of these women intrapreneurs who are leading large corporations. Marcelina Ace Itchon is the president and CEO of Aspen Philippines. She started her career as a promo representative of a pharmaceutical company. Today, she leads Aspen Philippines, a subsidiary of Aspen Pharmacare, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world.

Another intrapreneur awardee on our list is Flor Tarriela. She has been in the banking and finance industry for more than 40 years. Currently, she chairs Philippine National Bank, one of the leading banks in the country. Apart from her corporate duties, Flor is also active in environment protection and agriculture. In fact, she has her own agricultural training center named Flor’s Garden.

We are also recognizing micro entrepreneurs who possess qualities of a positive and persevering entrepreneur. First on our micro category is Abdulia Austria who started her entrepreneurial journey with just P600. With that capital, she opened a small sari-sari store and engaged in direct selling. Eventually, she was able to purchase boats and open a small tourist inn named Uno Duz Tourist Inn.

Angelene Calungcaguin started baking cookies for her project “Make Peace Cookies” which is sold to relatives and friends to benefit their charity work in the orphanage and community in Payatas. In 2016, she founded The Make Peace Bakery which is a social enterprise that empowers youth through the art of baking.

From being a public school teacher, Lydia Codiñera decided to become an entrepreneur in 2009. Because of the need for clean water in her community, she formed a company called Samahang Tubig Maynilad which applied for a water meter from Maynilad. Because of her leadership, she was able to organize and facilitate the rationing of water in their area.

Edilee Omoyon of Milea Bee Farm started her business because of her son’s skin condition. She studied about organic products and soon, she started manufacturing products such as soaps, shampoos and balms made out of real honey sourced from their own bee farm.

With only P2,000, Merle Paete started her own pili processing company in 2000. She is one of the first in producing pili pulp oil with her Merle’s Pili and Native Products. Today, her annual sales is around P100,000 and has even helped her community with livelihood opportunities.

We are also recognizing women entrepreneurs in the small-medium category. First is Mary Grace Arboleda-Young, president of Cordillera Coffee. Because of her passion to introduce Cordillera’s art, culture, and coffee, she opened her own coffee business which transacts directly with farmers, cutting out the middlemen.

Olive Puentespina started experimenting with goat’s milk in 2005 which then led to the establishment of Malagos Farmhouse, leading maker of fine artisan cheeses in Davao. Today, Malagos Farmhouse cheeses are enjoyed in over 80 hotels, resorts, restaurants, and airlines in the country.

Rissa Mananquil-Trillo is a popular name in the beauty and fashion industry. In 2013, she co-founded Happy Skin which manufactures skin-friendly cosmetics fit for the Filipina beauty. In a short span of five years, it has garnered more than 50 beauty awards. Rissa was also recognized as Ernst and Young’s Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in 2017.

Warblitz Martinez is also one of this year’s awardees. Warblitz is the president of the Aqua Peace Farm which is a five-hectare aquasilviculture project with fishponds and farm-tourism facilities.

Another entrepreneur to be recognized is Armanda Battad. With her Amanda’s Marine Products, she produces dried fish products such as tinapa, and dilis. She now supplies Chowking, Goldilocks, and Cabalen.

It was in 2005 when Zarah Juan discovered the concept of reusable bags as a substitute for plastic bags. With the help of her husband, she opened Green Leaf bags which manufactures eco-friendly bags for supermarkets and department stores nationwide. Aside from this, she also provides livelihood to multiple communities such as the Bagobo women.

Edelyn Canero perfected the science of cooking nuts through her Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts. Eventually, she expanded her product line by producing savory snacks and delicacies of Pampanga. Today, she is helping 20 families in their neighborhood by asking them to peel garlic for the business.

Apart from these amazing women entrepreneurs, we are also recognizing the leadership and legacy of Dr. Lourdes Montinola and Helen Yuchengco-Dee.

Dr. Lourdes Montinola is the chairman emeritus of Far Eastern University, one of the leading universities in the country. She is also a multi-awarded and well-published author and educator and has been active in various civic, culture, and art engagements.

To complete our list of awardees, we have Helen Yuchengco-Dee who is the chairperson of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. She also chairs Malayan Insurance Company and many other related businesses.

On March 6, during the 10th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit, these women entrepreneurs will be awarded by no less than President Duterte and they will be honored for their dedication and leadership of their respective enterprises.